جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 170

"Cut!"The photographer called for a break. "Let's take a break. Maybe you're tired, Stephen. Take a moment to refocus."As Stephen stepped out from the glow of the spotlight, he immediately caught William signaling him urgently from the shadows. Stephen hurriedly went over.-In the dressing room, Jeffrey was already waiting.Seeing his uncle's cunning eyes, Stephen was reminded of the vulnerability he felt when stripped bare at the high-society event. Instinctively, he covered his chest with a hand."Uncle Jeffrey? Didn’t you say you weren’t coming?" Stephen cautiously asked."If I didn't come, I wouldn't have found out you had the guts to do something like this!" Jeffrey eyed him coldly."Uncle Jeffrey, please don't misunderstand. You saw it earlier! I kept my distance! I didn't even dare to look Aunt in the eyes!" Stephen swore.Jeffrey snorted. At least the boy had some sense! Had he looked, he wouldn't be treated so lightly now!"Take off your clothes," Jeffrey or

The auction began.The first few plots of land presented were highly sought-after. Some had prime locations, some were close to water sources, and others offered great value. All of them sparked intense bidding wars.However, Melanie remained indifferent. Occasionally, she'd glance at updates on her phone. Vivian's talent agency had completely abandoned her, and the internet was filled with criticism against her. Melanie felt she got what she deserved.As the auction neared its end, the final plot of land up for bidding was the one Melanie was interested in.After a brief description by the host, the opening bid was announced at forty million."Forty-five million!" Melanie announced loudly, raising her paddle.Some men turned their heads in surprise. Hers was the first female voice heard in the auction. Everyone seemed satisfied when they saw her appearance, as her looks matched her confident bid."Fifty million," came a voice from another direction.Lily glanced over and

Ten minutes later, Nathan appeared in front of Melanie. "Miss Melanie, why did you suddenly change your mind again?"Melanie smirked and said, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"A glint flashed in Nathan's eyes as he chuckled. "Why don't you tell me both?""The lie is that I couldn't wait to repay you this favor. The truth is, I just found out that there's a business partner at this banquet whom I've been wanting to meet."Observing the charm radiating from Melanie's eyes, Nathan's lips twitched into a meaningful smile.Melanie continued, "But truly, I don't like owing favors to others. So, the lie isn't entirely false."Nathan laughed heartily. "Miss Melanie, you truly are amusing."Melanie's lips curved into a beautiful smile.Nathan gestured with his arm, and Melanie looped her arm through his. Then, they walked side by side toward the banquet hall.Nathan presented the invitation, and the attendant at the entrance checked it. Once done, the attendant politely ushe

It had been a while since Melanie last saw her mother. Rushing home, she quickly freshened up and playfully crawled into her mother's bed, insisting on sleeping together.After a night of heart-to-heart with her mother, Melanie felt replenished with love and energy, ready to face the world again. However, the unanswered questions that her mother deliberately avoided remained untouched.The next day, Eliza took a break to rest at home.Melanie made it a point to leave work early to spend more time with her mother. However, as soon as she arrived home, her assistant called to consult her about the next phase of the new perfume testing.After the recent Vivian incident, the upcoming trial would undoubtedly attract widespread attention. The perfume department at Jones Enterprise was on high alert, anxious not to make any more mistakes.Meanwhile, Eliza and Nancy were busy preparing Melanie's favorite dishes in the kitchen when a servant returned with news. "Madam, Mr. Moore is here.

Melanie bit her lip hard in an attempt to stifle her laughter.Was he really trying to placate her like this?Anyone unaware would have thought he was attending a funeral!Keeping a straight face, Melanie said, "I'm fully aware of my standing in your eyes, President Morgan. Why would I overstep my bounds and cause trouble with you?"Jeffrey's narrowed eyes tightened slightly.Ever since he saw the photo of her with Tyler in the album earlier, his emotions had shifted. Indeed, she shouldn't hold such significance in his heart."I have an appointment with Cyrus in Willowfort tomorrow. So, I won't be returning," Melanie added."What are you going to do in Willowfort?" Jeffrey inquired.With feigned impatience, Melanie explained, "There's a rare flower called emerald vine that only blooms in Willowfort this season. Naturally, Elder Gibson is taking me there for fragrance blending. President Morgan, don't waste your time on matters you're not interested in."After saying this, she